Man accused in hit and run murder waives deadline

Published November 24. 2009 3:38AM | Updated November 24. 2009 3:40AM

A man accused of intentionally striking and killing Steven A. Germano with his pickup truck in July has waived the deadline for an evidentiary hearing because he needs more time to raise money for attorney fees.

Kevin Bialowas, 45, has been held on a $1 million bond since August, when Norwich police charged him with murder, evading responsibility and illegal operation of a motor vehicle. Bialowas is accused of intentionally striking Germano, 34, at the intersection of Elm Avenue and East Town Street during a July 14 dispute involving Bialowas' female passenger. Germano died six days after the incident. The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled he suffered blunt traumatic injuries and his death was a homicide.

Bialowas has appeared several times in New London Superior Court, but has not yet retained a lawyer. During Monday's court date, attorney Thomas W. Teixeira stood with Bialowas at the defense table and said he would be filing an appearance in the case as soon as financial arrangements are complete. Bialowas, who co-owns a Baltic construction company, said he would be using funds from the impending sale of a building to pay his attorney. He said a buyer has placed a deposit on the property and the closing could take place in January.

Judge Susan B. Handy agreed to continue the case after ensuring that Bialowas was waiving the 60-day time limit for a probable cause hearing. Under state law, murder defendants are entitled to a hearing within 60 days of their arrests. At the hearing, the prosecutor attempts to convince a judge there is probable cause that the crime was committed and that the defendant committed the crime.

The judge scheduled Bialowas' next court appearance for Dec. 12 and told him to update her that day on the progress of the real estate deal.

- Karen Florin

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